What makes us, us?
A new year, a new project. In 2018, in Perspectives, I delve into what makes us truly unique. I will look well beyond the material, the “stuff” that may define us, to what really makes us distinct individuals. For me it all comes down to spirit. Spirit, that unique energy that embodies who we are. That force that allows us to move within this material world, immersed in the human experience.
Everyone has seen the spirit of a child in the twinkle of its eye, but what about finding the spirit of an autumnal leaf within its decaying form, or, as illustrated, the spirit of Read More

After being home from Tanzania for a few weeks I thought I would cleverly craft a compelling story about life in Central Africa. But instead, the words never came.
There are dire struggles across the globe, no country is immune. Want proof? Just pick up The New York Times any morning. Some regions are plagued with greater obstacles than others. I could easily rant against the powers that be, condemning lack of aid or interest. But, do we really need any more ranting? I think not.
So I have changed my perspective.
Now when I review my images from Ipalamwa, Tanzania, instead of seeing Read More

As summer began to fade, I stepped out of my comfortable home in the Green Mountains of Vermont. I ventured way out of my comfort zone, and traveled to Tanzania. I was asked to take part in an ambitious project based in a remote corner of this African country. When confronted with a challenge I usually dive in head first, then hope for the best.
An eighteen-hour plane ride out of Boston took me to Dar es Salaam, a sprawling metropolis. This rapidly developing capital is located on the east coast of Africa, on the Indian Ocean.
There, I boarded a single-engine bush plane for a two hour Read More

Nothing is more mysterious than a chance encounter. Such an experience for me confirms the existence of some force, greater than myself, providing guidance.
It was a balmy summer’s morning at the shore, my yearly jaunt to Fire Island with the girls. Never wanting to miss a sunrise, I crawled out of bed at the crack of dawn and staggered to the beach. Everything is a little slower on Fire Island. The walk to the shoreline was about 300 steps, each being intentional and deliberate. With each step I noticed the light, shadows, morning dew, the splendor of it all. I could see the boardwalk Read More

The forest floor is home to a variety of unusual creatures. This morning, I had an encounter with the most elusive resident of them all.
A flash from the corner of my eye caught my attention. It was early morning, and the forest was thick with dew, perfumed by the scent of pine. I felt I was walking into a cool cathedral, my Sagrada Família of the Green Mountains.
The flash came from under the spiky bough of a 50 year-old stately pine. I pulled back the bough and found a troop of mushrooms. They were tightly clustered, well out of sight, and off the beaten path. On closer examination Read More

There’s no way of escaping the complexity of life ー or is there?
We spend half our lives accumulating. We are no better than scurrying chipmunks stockpiling nuts for the long winter, who run on the theory, more is better. But is more always better?
Now that I am well ensconced in my second half of life, nuts no longer have much appeal. There are times I envy the Buddhist monk who travels the world with only his bowl and saffron robe. OK Abby, snap out of it! That's a bit extreme, however, dare I imagine life without the weight of nuts to slow me down?
This new found philosophy became Read More

It happens silently. Dotage arrives one dark night and takes up residence upon your chest. It lies on you like a fat cat with no intentions of moving. Each breath then becomes more meaningful.
Just like everything else, how you choose to deal with this oppressive feline is entirely up to you. Option one, throw him off and continue to run in circles or, Option two, make yourself comfy and retire to a place of contemplation.
You could choose to feel his suffocating weight, the heaviness that constricts your every movement, or choose another perspective. Every thing, has two sides, even a Read More

With my feet planted firmly on the ground and head erect, I can obtain a broad and expansive perspective of the world. Or can I?
Sweeping landscapes offer splendid vantage points, however my favorite is the macro perspective.
Lying down on moist grass, peering through blades of new growth, fills me with wonder. Oh, to have Alice's magic potion, labeled "DRINK ME". How I would love for just a moment, to shrink to the size of a beetle and slide down the stalk of a leaf, dropping me into nature’s hidden realm.
In my new beetle body, I would scale the foliage as if it was the Andes. I Read More

Please join me as I re-visit San Miguel, however this time...in color.
The colors of my life are bountiful and bold,
The purple glow of indigo, the gleam of green and gold.
The splendor of a sunrise, the dazzle of a flame
The glorying a rainbow, I'd put them all to shame.
No quiet browns and grays, I'll take my days instead
And fill them 'til they overflow with rose and cherry red!
And should this sunlit world grow dark one day
The colors of my life will leave a shinning light to show the way.
Thank you Cy Coleman for your wonderful lyrics to The Color of My Life from the Read More

I have been labeled eccentric, whatever, with six decades behind me and a lifetime of outrageous experiences as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, traveler, amateur photographer and curator. My most recently leap of faith... read more

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